Category: Spain

Spain on course to overtake UK as one the world’s favourite investment locations (Knight Frank)

80% of all Marbella property sales made by Scandinavian buyers in the last year (Knight Frank)

Scandinavian travel agency launches Spanish flights from new UK base

Interest in Spanish real estate from Scandinavian nations is rising steadily as life in sunny southern Spain draws buyers from colder climes. Swedish buyers, especially those looking for a second home in Spain, have increased in recent years now ranking amongst the top 5 nationalities of foreign purchasers according to leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España. Total sales to Swedish nationals in 2017 were up 6% and now account for 10% of all purchases made with Taylor Wimpey España.

This data comes in line with recent report from Knight Frank which states that Spain is forecast to trump the UK as a favoured investment location in 2018, with the company’s Marbella office seeing Scandinavian buyers accounting for 80% of all sales of luxury developments in 2017.

Easy direct access to many parts of Spain has particularly fuelled foreign property investment in recent decades. And as Swedes are one of the world’s best travelled nations, Scandinavian low-cost agency Primera Holidays is establishing an arm in the UK to offer new trips to popular destinations in Spain, making the region a hotspot for even more buyers in 2018.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España, which has operated successfully in Spain for 60 years (1958-2018), and his team now translate all property brochures and contracts into Swedish as a matter of course and for the last four years have a Swedish version of Taylor Wimpey España website to meet demand.

“Spain’s economy is the fastest growing in the Eurozone, bringing greater confidence back the property market and thus attracting demand from North European countries. Over the last few years, we have seen a real boost from Swedish buyers especially.

“Many Swedish buyers are looking at other destinations than their beloved Costa Blanca, choosing the island of Mallorca for example with the new Bahia Sant Pere development being very high demand.”

Designed in a Mediterranean architectural style with typical colour render, the apartments at Bahia Sant Pere are surrounded by ample communal gardens with two swimming pools and uninterrupted views over the sea or towards the highest peaks of the Serres de Llevant. The development is quite unique on Mallorca, boasting a superb location in the unspoiled north east with selling prices very affordable from 221,500€ + VAT for a brand new, two bed apartments. The phrase 3 is now for sale.

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit http://www.taylorwimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.

According to latest reports, Spain is riding high in the tourism stakes, pushing America down a notch to third position and becoming the world’s second most popular tourist destination. Latest data from the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) estimates that a record 82 million travellers visited Spain in 2017. Undoubtedly, one driving force behind Spain’s record popularity is the nation’s deserved status as an exceptional international destination for golf. A survey conducted by golf travel company, YourGolfTravel, highlights just how much dedication golfers hold for their sport with a large majority (83%) planning to go on more golfing trips this year than 2017.

In response to this high demand, a number of airlines have announced greater access to golfing destinations in Spain by increasing the frequency of flights this summer. For golfers heading to Mallorca’s number one golf destination, Son Gual, Jet2 and Jet2holidays have increased their seating capacity by 13%.

This route is sure to be popular as the highly regarded course will celebrate its 10th anniversary this summer, attracting some A-list celebrities such as tennis star Rafael Nadal or the German football manager Joachim Low.

“A lot of our UK visitors flew with Monarch as the company was golf-friendly and some may have feared they might struggle to find suitable flight. So, Jet2.com‘s recent announcement will soften the blow, not only for UK golfers travelling to Mallorca, but also for those of us working in the tourism sector here.”

Andreas Pamer, Son Gual’s General Manager

Although Mallorca has exceptional golf facilities, the Costa Blanca has cemented its position as a leading golf destination by being awarded the European Golf Destination of the Year last year. The Costa Blanca has always been a hit with Irish visitors in particular especially golfers.

Fortunately, Irish holidaymakers and golfers alike (92% of which are ready to go on more golf holidays this year, according to YourGolfTravel) can escape to sunnier climes as budget airline Ryanair will be operating extra flights from Shannon to Alicante and Mallorca thrice weekly this summer. In line with the airlines, leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, operational across Spain for 60 years (1958 – 2018), is answering this growing demand for homes with access to golf courses and training facilities.

On the beautiful Balearic island of Mallorca, the key-ready homes at Marina Golf, priced from €549.000 + VAT, will blow golfers’ minds away with the spacious townhouses surrounded by a solarium. Located in the southwest of the island, the residential complex is in an excellent location, surrounded by some of the ACGM’s top golf courses on the island including Golf Santa Ponsa I, II and III, which are right next to the development, as well as the Golf de Andratx, Golf de Poniente and Bendinat Golf.

“Son Gual’s 10th anniversary event this year will showcase Mallorca as the perfect location for golf, with at least 300 days of sunshine a year and a choice of over 20 courses suitable for golfers of all abilities. With Mallorca and the Costa Blanca becoming an essential stop on the golf world circuit, we expect a growth in potential buyers looking for properties within walking distance of the best courses.”

Brits spent more money in Spain accounting for 17.4 billion euros in total (Tourist Market Barometer)

British buyers shell out more on dream Spanish homes (TWE)

While Spain received a record-breaking 82 million visitors in 2017 (UNWTO), overtaking the US as one of the world’s most visited countries; an achievement reinforced by a rise in tourism spend.

According to the Tourist Market Barometer, the average spending of tourists to Spain rose 13% between January and November 2017 compared to the previous year with British travellers, without surprise, among the biggest spenders. In total, British tourists spent about 17.4 billion euros in Spain, up 8.2% compared to the same period in 2016 while average spending per person reached €1.054 (Tourist Market Barometer).

Indeed the tourism industry has been an important driver of Spain’s economy over the decades, benefitting from the increase of cheap flights delivered by low-cost airlines and affordable accommodation.

However, Spain’s success in attracting international tourists has also prompted the question whether the country’s low-cost tourism sector can survive?

Indeed, the low-cost tourism model remains so popular that Spain welcomed only 10% of the wealthiest travellers in the world (Tourist Market Barometer). And as local authorities set out ambitious plans to tackle the issue of mass market tourism, Taylor Wimpey España, which celebrates its 60th year of operations (1958-2018), is proudly delivering high quality homes for discerning visitors.

“It is fantastic to see Spain’s popularity continues to flourish, we have certainly received a great number of enquiries from international visitors looking to experience all that this wonderful country has to offer. I do believe however that it is important to ensure that popular destinations in Spain such as Costa del Sol remains a sustainable coastline which is why we are focused on delivering quality homes in quality locations for generations to enjoy.”

In terms of budgets, Taylor Wimpey España has seen a rise in spending on quality homes from Brits. December 2017 saw the sixth consecutive month of growth in sales to British buyers for Taylor Wimpey España with the majority of transactions made at the upper price point of €450,000 and beyond, a trend never seen before.

With a view to Brexit in April 2019, British buyers are splashing out more on Spanish properties to secure the right home for either their retirement or the perfect holiday.

“Affluent British citizens are looking to place their money outside of the UK, in Spanish property, with view to Brexit in April 2019. Spain is deemed a safe heaven and we expect to continue to see greater number of purchasers at this higher price point.”

New penthouse and duplexes in the Grand View residential complex is an outstanding example of second homes in the upper price bracket, popular with British buyers. Priced from €420,000 + VAT, penthouses are comprised of 3 generous bedrooms with communal gardens and swimming pools, a spectacular solarium and panoramic views of the prestigious Asia and America golf courses in the valley of Mijas on the Costa del Sol.

With all the advantages of privacy and high quality, the new residential complex has everything to attract potential buyers without a doubt.

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit http://www.taylorwimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.

2018 sees Taylor Wimpey celebrate its 60th year of operations in Spain.

A household name in the UK, Taylor Wimpey has spent the last six decades (1958 – 2018) selecting prime locations on the Spanish mainland and Balearic Islands, building attractive developments characterised by their quality, careful design and respect for the environment.

Today, the Spanish arm of Taylor Wimpey, which has reported steady growth in both international buyers and house sales, is contributing to Spain’s well-recovered property market with experts forecasting prices and sales to rise once again this year.

In 1958 Taylor Wimpey – known as “Taylor Woodrow” at that time – was already a prestigious developer in the United Kingdom when Frank Taylor, the company’s founder, spent his honeymoon on Mallorca. He and his wife, Christine, fell in love with the island and decided that Taylor Wimpey should also operate in Spain.

With the support of Jaime Ballester, they set up the subsidiary and built their first properties – Apartamentos Paraiso – in Canyamel, in the east of Mallorca. The development was comprised of 40 apartments across five blocks.

Over the years they extended their presence to other coastal areas – the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca primarily with the acquisition in June 1996 of the development Las Fuentes in Moreira and Los Castillos in the early 1990’s in Puerto Duquesa.

In 2007, Taylor Woodrow and George Wimpey merged to create the UK’s largest housebuilder Taylor Wimpey Plc and two years later its Spanish arm took the name of Taylor Wimpey España led by current General Manager Javier Ballester, son of Jaime Ballester.

During the 60 years since formation, Taylor Wimpey España has delivered more than 6,000 homes in its three current locations to buyers from over 40 countries worldwide. More than 3,000 homes have been sold on the islands of Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza, about 2,5000 homes on the Costa del Sol and more than 1,000 on Costa Blanca North & South.

Increasingly, today’s Taylor Wimpey España client is paying more attention to the developer’s brand and reputation for delivering than location, price or features.

One example of Taylor Wimpey España’s obsession with quality is the exclusive Marina Golf development located in the southwest of Mallorca. Priced from €549,000 + VAT, the last remaining golf townhouses have 3 with private terraces and gardens, surrounded by a solarium with views over the Santa Ponsa III golf course.

“Whilst it’s easy to say, it’s not so easy to deliver high quality homes which is why we are so proud of our Mallorcan developments. Operational since 1958, Taylor Wimpey Españahas been at the forefront of the island’s property market for almost six decades, securing the very best sites and building the finest homes for our clients. We are Mallorca and we are committed to ensuring a sustainable future for the island we call home.”

Get the advantage with these townhouses with ace tennis courts (Taylor Wimpey España)

From 2nd – 4th February, the world’s best tennis players will contest again at the Davis Cup tournament held in Marbella on the Costa del Sol with Spain competing against Great Britain.

The Davis Cup is one of the most important event in Marbella’s event calendar with the City Council, the Junta of Andalucía and Costa del Sol Tourism each contributing €150,000 to the event.

Indeed, although neither Andy Murray nor Rafael Nadal will be playing at the tournament this year, popular English player Kyle Edmund, who reached the semi-finals in the Australian Open just gone, will without doubt attract a large British attendance.

As Davis Cup excitement descends, people are once again inspired to pick up a racket and get swept up in the atmosphere and Taylor Wimpey España, which celebrates its 60th year of operations (1958 – 2018) has the ideal holiday homes with ace tennis courts, perfect to practice that backhand.

“For fans of the sport, properties with tennis facilities provide the ideal choice for a holiday home or retirement plans. Horizon Golf and Grand View for example is within La Cala Resort which features outdoor tennis courts perfect for a set or two. Spain’s plentiful sunshine and dry, warm days allow for visits throughout every season.”

Situated in the beautiful valley of Mijas, Grand View is Taylor Wimpey de España’s fourth development at La Cala Resort within the complex’s famous Campo Asia golf course. At La Cala Resort, beginners and experienced players will find their perfect tennis holiday as coaching programs are offered. With prices starting from €287,000 + VAT, the private gated development offers apartmentd all with two bedrooms minimum, two bathrooms and a cloakroom, and stunning panoramic views over the golf course and La Cala de Mijas.

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit http://taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.

Spain’s property market ranked the fourth best investment opportunity in the world. (Afire)

Belgians and Netherlanders holidaymakers represented 9% of the recording total of international tourists in Spain. (Frontur)

Belgium and Netherland buyers account for 15% of total reservations of second homes. (Taylor Wimpey España).

Taylor Wimper Espana to offer a wide range of choices at Second Home Expo in Belgium.

New year is traditionally the best time of year to think about lifestyles changes with healthy resolutions, new job or a potential second home. Savvy investors thinking of making a move in 2018 should start preparing their house hunting in order to make the best of their purchase for spring and summer holidays. And it terms of the location, Spain seems to be a winner!

Spain’s property market is roaring back to life, with experts forecasting prices and sales to rise in 2018. The holiday hotspot has moved from sixth in the ranking by Afire to the fourth most rewarding investment opportunity in the world.

The changes might tempt many buyers to see now as the perfect time to pick up their second home in Spain. The Second Home Expo – titled Flanders Expo Ghent – will take place from 3rd to 5th of February for potential buyers who are ready to grab this investment opportunity.

Set in Ghent in Belgium, the exposition is a forum where Belgians and Netherlanders citizens can find the extensive offers from reliable estate agents and housebuilders such as Taylor Wimpey España. Whether it is a second home to enjoy unforgettable holidays or to use it as an investment, promoters insure that it all starts at the Second Home Expo.

For Belgian and Netherlanders buyers, Spain remains a popular destination with INE reporting some 424,133 Belgians and 565,723 Netherlanders holidaymakers who visited the Iberian Peninsula last summer. Their number have increased by 13%, accounting for 9% of the total of international tourists in July 2017.

It is not surprising then to see an extensive offer of Spanish homes during the exposition. Spain’s leading housebuilder, Taylor Wimpey España, operational in Spain for 60 years, will participate in the expo to answer the rising demand of Belgium and Netherland buyers for their houses as they represent 15% of total reservations.

“We’re seeing much more interest from Netherland buyers this year – our sales to them were up 80% last year. Belgium and Netherland buyers now account for 15% of the total of 32 nationalities who showed interest to our houses in 2017. Our Costa Blanca properties have proven particularly popular with them.”

Among its extensive offer of properties in Costa Blanca, La Villa Paradis stand out with its wide range of apartments and townhouses. Located in a wonderful seafront location in Villajoyosa, this large development offers 2 and 3 bedroom apartments available from just €269,000 + VAT and 3 bed townhouses priced from €429.000. Each one of them boast a well-designed layout, with a private terrace with owners able to enjoy beautiful views over the Mediterranean Sea, swimming pool and private gardens of the development. Its great location – 20 minutes from central Alicante – make apartments at La Villa Paradis one of the best options when buying a home in Costa Blanca.

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit http://www.taylorwimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.

House sales to foreigners on Costa Blanca up 17.5% (Ministry of Development)

Average house price in Alicante province is £200,000 (Kyero)

For many Brits aiming to purchase a second property in 2018, the idea of owning a sun-drenched home within a short distance of the sea is the dream. But with the price of the average house in England now £243,339 (HM Land Registry, November 2017), turning this dream into reality is unlikely.

More and more Brits therefore are heading abroad to Spain to get their dream beach house with the holiday hotspot of the Costa Blanca on Spain’s south-eastern coast, also a favourite second home destination.

The Costa Blanca, or ‘White Coast’, has seen its popularity rise once again with a record 6.3 million foreign visitors in 2017 according to the Valencian Tourism Agency.

“The Costa Blanca remains very much at the top of the list for British second home buyers. British citizens are looking for quality homes that offer great value. Spacious, beachfront homes are the biggest winners and when you can buy the same house for half the price overseas, it makes you think twice.”

Indeed, official figures reveal that foreigners were the biggest buyers on the Costa Blanca with 4,906 homes sold in Q3 2017, a 7.5% rise in sales to foreigners compared to the same period in 2016, recorded the Ministry of Development. With data from Kyero.com revealing that the average property price in Alicante province is just €225,000 (£200,000) and properties in hotspots such as Torrevieja and La Marina costing just €132,000 (£117,000) and €148,000 (£130,000) respectively, it’s not hard to see why Brits are flocking to the Costa Blanca.

Always conscious of buyers’ budgets, leading housebuilder, Taylor Wimpey España, operational in Spain for 60 years, is answering this rising demand for second homes in the area with a selection of seaside properties, far more affordable than those in England.

La Villa Paradis is a large development in a wonderful seafront location in Villajoyosa. Available from just €269,000 + VAT, its 2 bedroom apartments boast a well-designed layout, each with a private terrace with owners able to enjoy beautiful views over the Mediterranean Sea, swimming pool and private gardens of the development. Its great location – 20 minutes from central Alicante – make apartments at La Villa Paradis one of the best options when buying a home in Costa Blanca.

Arenal Dream is a 47-unit development comprised of 2 and 3 bedroom apartments built and finished with the highest quality materials. For just €239,000 + VAT, owners can enjoy a property that offers ample space, gardens or terraces, communal swimming pool, underground parking, air con and storage – better value than the average UK home! Located in Javea, known as the Pearl of Costa Blanca, Arenal Dream also boasts panoramic sea views and is only 300 meters from Blue Flag beaches.

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit http://taylorwimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.

December 2017 saw the sixth consecutive month of growth in sales to British (TWE)

Modest price increase is expected in dynamic markets such as Costa Blanca (Tinsa)

32 nationalities bought with Taylor Wimpey Españain Spain during 2017

2017 was an excellent year for leading Spanish housebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, stating that the Spanish market remains ‘strong’ in their trading statement for the year ended 31 December 2017.

The company has seen continued growth in the Spanish housing market with a total order book standing at 329 homes at the end of the year. This represents a 12.3% increase on the equivalent period in 2016 (293 homes) with the housebuilder, which celebrates its 60th year of operation in 2018, expecting the business to report a significant improved operating profit* in 2017 (FY 2016: £20.6 million operating profit*).

“We achieved a strong operational performance in 2017 with healthy figures. The order book increase shows that even in challenging environments, the right property in Spain is still very much in demand. We believe that the business is well positioned for further growth in 2018”

Spain has long been a preferred second home destination for buyers from across the world. In fact, Taylor Wimpey España sold properties to buyers of 32 different nationalities in 2017 with German buyers leading the way. Despite Brexit uncertainty, demand from British buyers grew with December 2017 seeing the sixth consecutive month of growth in sales to Brits.

“Spain really does offer everything that a second homeowner wishes for: sunshine, spacious properties in traditional Mediterranean styles, affordable flights, beautiful beaches – it’s all here. With record levels of tourists coming to Spain last year, we expect even greater demand for our homes in 2018.”

Many second home enquiries made in 2017 were for the holiday hotspot of the Costa Blanca on Spain’s south-eastern coast. Taylor Wimpey España recorded a significant increase of 50% in reservations made for houses in the area last year and interest for this market is set to continue with Tinsa forecasting a prosperous 2018 for the property markets in coastal locations. In line with last year’s figures and these expectations, the ‘White Coast’ will be key to the Spanish homebuilder’s year ahead. Taylor Wimpey España is ready to provide a range of new homes across the Costa Blanca, starting with new development Arenal Dream.

The development Is comprised of 47 apartments built and finished with the highest quality materials and available from €239,000 + VAT. Located in Javea, on the northern coastline of the province of Alicante, the development is only 300 meters from Blue Flag beaches and just 1 hour drive from either Alicante international airport or Valencia international airport.

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit http://www.taylorwimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.

* Operating profit is defined as profit on ordinary activities before net finance costs, exceptional items and tax, after share of results of joint ventures.

British buyers splash out more on Spanish properties with a view to Brexit in 2019 (TWE)

Costa Blanca goes international with buyers from over 20 nationalities recorded (TWE)

Benahavis and Santa Ponsa are areas to watch in 2018 (TWE)

2017 was a good year for Spain’s residential property market. The market enjoyed steady growth with the Ministry of Development (Fomento) reporting a surge in housing sales since last October, giving a 16% rise on 2016 figures. Over 510.000 homes were sold from September 2016 to September 2017.

2017 was also a record-breaking year for Taylor Wimpey España. During the summer season, the leading Spanish housebuilder witnessed the largest growth of the last six years with a 13% increase in enquiries for Spanish holiday homes.

The company, which has been building homes in Spain for 60 years (1958 – 2018), also reported growth in international buyers, delivering another year of growth in operating profit* in 2017.

“We are very proud of the results that we have generated in 2017. The Spanish housing market has remained strong throughout the year as we have witnessed international demand rising again, having sold homes across Spain to more than 30 different nationalities”.

Looking ahead with optimism to 2018, Taylor Wimpey España has highlighted three key trends in the Spanish second homes market:

British buyers splash out more with a view to Brexit in 2019

Whilst the UK’s decision to leave the EU did undeniably affect the Spanish second homes market, it seems this was just a blip with Taylor Wimpey España recording enquiry levels returning to pre-Brexit vote levels.

December 2017 saw the sixth consecutive month of growth in sales to British buyers for Taylor Wimpey España with the majority being made at the upper price point of €450,000 and beyond, a trend never seen before.

“Whilst conscious of the potential implications of the wider macro-European economic environment, our latest figures confirm that Spain remains very much at the top of the list for British second home buyers.

“Affluent British citizens are looking to place their money outside of the UK, in Spanish property, with view to Brexit in April 2019. Spain is deemed a safe heaven and we expect to continue to see greater number of purchasers at this higher price point.”

Official figures show that Spain has once again seen record-breaking levels of tourism with 77.8 million foreign nationals visiting between Jan – Nov 2017, up from 75.6 million for the whole of 2016 (Frontur).

British tourists accounted for 18 million (23%) visitors for the 2017 period, a 7% increase on the same 11-months in 2016 followed by German and French tourists at 11.4 million and 10.7 million respectively.

Perennial favourite, the Costa Blanca (White Coast) saw its popularity rise once again in 2017 not only with holidaymakers but also second home buyers from all over the world according to Taylor Wimpey España.

A 50% year-on-year rise in Costa Blanca sales was recorded by Taylor Wimpey España in November 2017 with more than 20 nationalities in total purchasing in the region through the housebuilder last year.

Well regarded as offering a wide variety of quality homes at affordable prices, the Costa Blanca attracts those with a budget between €170,000 and €210,000. The historic fishing village of Torrevieja has become a hotspot for Russian buyers attracted by developments such as La Recoleta III whilst Scandinavian buyers are already registering their interest in the next phase of the hugely popular Brisas de Alenda Golf development in Elche.

3. Benahavis and Santa Ponsa are areas to watch in 2018

With demand set to rise further still throughout 2018, Taylor Wimpey España is on hand to provide a number of new developments for prospective buyers in the most sought-after areas.

New releases are to come in the three areas Taylor Wimpey Espana is working this year; Mallorca, Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol. Two areas to watch include Benahavis, one of Costa del Sol’s most exclusive area located In Malaga. Known for its high-class restaurants and fine cuisine, buyers from all over the world will be clambering to secure one of the stunning homes at Taylor Wimpey España’s Botanic new development.

Situated in Mallorca’s southwest, the quiet town of Santa Ponsa will also be one to watch in 2018. Offering panoramic views of both the shimmering Mediterranean Sea and Santa Ponsa III golf course upon which the new Marina Golf development sits, these new homes will offer peace and seclusion as well as a whole host of on-site amenities and traditional village charm.

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit http://taylorwimpeyspain.com/ for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.

*Operating profit is defined as profit on ordinary activities before net finance costs, exceptional items and tax, after share of results of joint ventures.